The school population is diverse with more than 24 language groups and approximately a third of students having a first language other than English and 10% that have a Ministry Designation that represent specific learning requirements.
The school is located in a densely populated urban setting near the False Creek seawall and Charelson Park. Most families reside in condominiums, apartments, townhouses, cooperatives, or on boats moored in the area.
The school is made up of mainly middle income with about 5% from upper and lower income families. The Fraser Institute Report Card for 2009/2010 Ranks the school at 843/875 with a Grade 4 enrollment of 36, ESL 22.8, and Special needs 7.2.
The school demographics according to the school office administrative assistant. 1. Total Students: 267
Male/Female:
Gr. 7 12/15 Gr. 6 20/16 Gr. 5 14/16 Gr. 4 13/16 Gr. 3 20/17 Gr. 2 19/16 Gr. 1 16/15 Gr. K 20/22
ESL #'s
Gr. K - 7 Gr. 1 - 9 Gr. 2 - 2 Gr. 3 - 8 Gr. 4 - 4 Gr. 5 - 4 Gr. 6 - 4 Gr. 7 - 0
Special Ed #'s
Gr. K - 0 Gr. 1 - 0 Gr. 2 - 3 Gr. 3 - 1 Gr. 4 - 4 Gr. 5 - 0 Gr. 6 - 4 Gr. 7 - 6
There are 10 divisions consisting of 11 classroom teachers. The librarian is .53 and has additional duties of prep cover and music.
Elementary Schools
Elsie Roy Elementary School
Henry Hudson Elementary
Tennyson Elemetary
Madrona School
L'Ecole Billingue Elementary
Blessed Sacrament School
High Schools
St. John's International School
The Community
Located on the Burrard Peninsula, Vancouver lies between Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. The Strait of Georgia, to the west, is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Vancouver Island. The city has an area of 114 km2 (44 sq mi), including both flat and hilly ground, and is in the Pacific Time Zone (UTC−8) and the Pacific Maritime Ecozone. Vancouver has one of the largest urban parks in North America, Stanley Park, which covers 404.9 hectares (1001 acres).Vancouver is one of the warmest Canadian cities. The summer months are typically dry, often resulting in moderate drought conditions, usually in July and August. In contrast, most days during late fall and winter (November–March) are rainy. BC Stats estimated the population of the city of Vancouver to be 642,843 in 2010. Vancouver has been called a "city of neighbourhoods", each with a distinct character and ethnic mix. Today the Chinese are the largest visible ethnic group in the city, with a diverse Chinese-speaking community, and several languages, including Cantonese and Mandarni Neighbourhoods with distinct ethnic commercial areas include the Chinatown, Punjabi Market, Little Italy, Greektown, and (formerly) Japantown. Since the 1980s, immigration has dramatically increased, making the city more ethnically and linguistically diverse; 52% do not speak English as their first language. Almost 30% of the city's inhabitants are of Chinese heritage which is one of the highest concentrations of ethnic Chinese residents in North America. In 1981, less than 7% of the population belonged to a visible minority group. By 2008, this proportion had grown to 51%. focused on the West End neighbourhood lining a certain stretch of Davie Street, recently officially designated as Davie Village,though the gay community is omnipresent throughout West End and Yaletown areas. Vancouver is host to one of the country's largest annual gay pride parades
This community analysis is based on the False Creek area located in Vancouver, BC. The data collected is from a variety of sources including Statistics Canada, VSB School Plan for False Creek School 2011-2012, the School Administrative Assistant, and the websites Blocktalk.ca and Wikipedia.
False Creek is the waterfront area that starts at the eastern end of English Bay just at the Burrard and Granville bridges and continues eastward almost cutting off downtown as it turns north and ends up within 1 kilometer of Burrard Inlet on the east side of the downtown core. It contains the Vancouver live entertainment, shopping and art mecca of Granville Island. It is surrounded on all sides by housing of all types with many berths for pleasure boats at marinas and public moorings.
Neighbourhood Demographics
The neighbourhood has a number of low-rise condo developments where many young families and couples reside. In addition, the area has townhouse, house, and several co-op and low rental housing projects in line with the City of Vancouver's mandate of 1 out of 5 housing be designated as low-income housing.
Population by Gender & Age
Total Population - 43, 375 Male - 52% Female 48%
Elementary school age (5-14)
Male 865 - 3.8 % Female 925 - 4.4%
Marital Status & Families
Couple Families 9, 225
Now-married couples (6,645) with children at home 42%
Common-law couples (2,580) with children at home 8%
Single-parent families Male parent 15% Female parent 85%
Total Adult Population
6,977
Single
39.3%
Married
34.8%
With post-secondary ed.
80.9%
Total Families
1,981
Couples with children at home
26.1%
Married with children at home
23.4%
Common-law with children at home
2.7%
Lone parent families
18.6%
Avg. number of children/family
0.5
Total Households
4,277
Owners
44.2%
Renters
55.8%
Houses
3.9%
Apartments
91.8%
Avg. household income
$75,130
Partners and Community Resources
The school has the opportunity to work together with neighbouring schools through the Community Schools Team at Kitsilano and with the False Creek Community Center. In addition, there are many museums and centers that are good opportunities for educational purposes.
False Creek Community Centre is located on Granville Island and offers unique programming opportunities and offers programs and events for all ages. Specialty programs and services include canoeing, kayaking, tennis, performing arts, after school daycare and a well-equipped fitness centre. False Creek's proximity to Vancouver's seaside bicycle route makes an excellent starting point for cycling excursions; either west to Spanish Bank or east toward Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. Here students can come and take part in health workshops educating them how to use the fitness centre or have an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports events, including boating.
The Kids Markethas a giant indoor Adventure Zone and Canada’s largest free outdoor Water Park for the summer days (open daily from Victoria Day long weekend through Labour Day. There are also opportunities for seeing how things are made by watching fudge making, baking donuts, welding metal, glass-blowing and totem pole carving. In addition there are scheduled children’s activities at the Carousel Theatre Company, the False Creek Community Centre, Vancouver TheatreSports League and the Arts Umbrella. With the budget being cut for schools, Granville Island has a great variety of free activities that can be used to enhance the curriculum. In addition, there are many affordable programs the students could participate in to expose them to Art and Drama.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum offers school programs for classes from preschool to high school. All of their school programs are designed to assist teachers in meeting the requirements of the BC social studies and science curriculum. Trained education volunteers lead small groups of students through hands-on and participatory activities designed to stimulate creative and critical thinking. Education Programs
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre allows teachers and students to explore the wonders of space like never before! Programming is based on the curriculum organizers in the Ministry of Education’s Integrated Resource Packages. 2011-2012 Education Programs
Science World's community engagement programs reach learners of all ages in communities across BC. Science World also supports the curriculum through field trips, teacher resources, and after school programs. Super Science Club – This award-winning program provides safe after-school care for students in Vancouver's inner-city schools. Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) – SIS inspires K-12 students across BC to explore careers in science by inviting local science professionals to visit their classrooms. On the Road – In this program, exciting, curriculum-based science shows are presented to students in classrooms in remote communities across BC.
When children are exposed to the inspiring stories of athletes who come from the same cultural or economic backgrounds as them, they begin to imagine what they can do and how they too can make a difference. The curriculum-linked educational programs incorporate goal setting, personal planning, physical education and ways in which students can make meaningful contributions to their communities. Hero in You Program
The False Creek Racing Canoe Club, a multi-disciplinary paddling club offers opportunities to train in and race Dragon Boat, Outrigger, Kayak, Surf Ski and Marathon Canoe, for all ages and levels.
//**CanoeKids**// is a multi-discipline introductory level canoe and kayak program for kids 10 - 14. The focus is not on racing but on acquiring balance and maneuvering skills through games and teamwork.
Introduction to Dragon Boat program is suitable for schools and is a 1 ½ hour, on-water session, during which participants are introduced to dragon boat paddling & racing in False Creek. The focus is on having fun, cooperative team building, and the sport of dragon boating. A coach and a certified steeersperson are provided for each boat used in a session.
The Children's Library houses one of the largest collections of materials specifically for children and families in British Columbia. With more than 80,000 books, plus a large and growing collection of audio-visual materials, including music CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs, it is a rich resource.
The collection has major strengths in picture books, Canadian books and multicultural materials, including a large collection of folk and fairy tales.
Its large non-fiction collection supports children's personal interests as well as most of their school project needs.
French-language materials at all levels and formats are available here, while children's books in other languages are found in the Multilingual Division's collection.
Resource Collection: a strong collection of circulating and reference materials for adults about children's literature, authors and illustrators, reading, writing for children, storytelling, and folklore. The Children's Library subscribes to many reviewing and professional journals.
Awards Collection: reference copies of the winners of most Canadian and major American and British children's book awards are housed together, arranged in order by award and then year.
Parenting Collection: A selection of books, videos, and DVDs for parents and caregivers. More parenting books are located in the Social Sciences Division.
Historical Collection: early children's books are housed in the Special Collections Division.
Possible Business Resources
Chapters Bookstore
Indigo Love of Reading Foundation The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has a vision of a future in which provincial governments step up and fund schools appropriately, giving every child across Canada equal opportunity to live up to their potential and fulfill their dreams. Until then, Love of Reading is dedicated to putting books in the hands of children.
Literacy Fundfor school identified as high-needs, are passionate about literacy and believe the students and the greater community would benefit from a Love of Reading grant. This program is for schools that are challenged by socio-economic factors that put their children at higher risk. Love of Reading schools receive funding over a three-year period. For each of the three years, the school receives 10 per cent of the funds in the form of cash to spend on any special projects they believe will promote literacy: after-school activity groups; visits by special guest speakers and artists; anything that promotes a love of reading. They receive the remaining 90 per cent of the grant in the form of a credit redeemable for new books and learning materials at Indigo, Chapters and Coles book stores.
Adopt a School The Indigo Adopt a School program helps puts more books in the hands of children by partnering with the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.
Steve Nash formed the Steve Nash Foundation in 2001. Through grants to public service and non-profit entities, the Foundation aims to grow healthy kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play and empowerment. Each year, the Steve Nash Foundation awards grants to child-focused non-profits that provide direct health and education services to underserved children throughout British Columbia, Canada. Funded projects improve outcomes for children by identifying and actuating solutions to community needs; with a focus on capital building and improvements, BC Grants is community investment at work.
Curriculum and Program Profile
I am using British Columbia's curriculum and have selected Health and Career Education Grade 6 as my subject and grade level. The major prescribed learning outcomes for Health and Career Education for Grade 6 in British Columbia are:
6.1 Goals and Decisions
6.2 Career Development
6.3 Health
In most schools in British Columbia that has a elementary and secondary school system, I believe Grade 6 is the preparation year: mentally, physically, and socially for these students. Mentally these students will have to become more independent as they will no longer have a main classroom/homeroom teacher. As a result, they will be responsible for making more decisions, managing their time, and setting goals. Physically the students are beginning to enter puberty and need to be informed about the changes occurring to their bodies and the opposite sex. Also, they need to have the information to help them make decisions about eating healthy food choices and the effects of substance use. Finally, emotionally students need to learn skills that will help the interact appropriately with their peers, adults, and different situations. There will be many pressures and it is important that the students be given the skills to evaluate the potential positive and harmful and consequences for themselves and others in order that they can make an informed decision and not one based on peer pressure or potential false information from different sources. Finally, research has shown that a healthy living that includes a balance of physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional health results in better concentration and academic performance.
There are 36 students in Grade 6. There are two classes; Grade 6 and Grade 5/6 classes. The collection is used by all students for general circulation. In addition, the librarian, on the request of the teachers, may pull books related to a unit of study and provide them as resources for the students. A search of the online catologue system using subject keywords related to Health and Career Education for Grade 6 resulted in a number of resources.
SUBJECT KEY WORD SEARCH
Health
31 hits
Careers
0
Decision Making
13
Time Management
0
Skills
31
Teamwork
4
Health
31
Relationships
33
Safety
64
Substance Abuse
17
Prevention
39
A further exploration into the resources found a good selection of easy and intermediate fiction, non-fiction, and multimedia-resources. In addition, the VSB Webcat has a page that contains several good websites to support Health and Career Education.
THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
The False Creek Library contains over twenty-one thousand volumes that include books, cd roms, cds, videos, dvds, and staff resources. It welcomes all students from Kindergarten to grade seven. It is open thirty minutes before and after school, however it is closed every second Wednesday. When the library is open, parents and students are welcome to exchange their books, discuss and share their books with our friendly librarian, or just enjoy a quiet chat with friends. In addition, students are welcome to use any of the library computers to play any of our many programs, including many library CD-ROMs.
The school library has reading initiatives such as the Chocolate Lily and Cedar Reading programs and is regularly open to students for reading and enjoyment of resources before and after school as well as during the school day. In each section there is a seating area where students can sit to read a book or do their work. The non-fiction section is catalogued by the Dewey Decimal system. Also in the non-fiction section are the novel sets just "because that is the only room we could find to put them" The picture books are organized with the hard cover books on the shelves and paperbacks in bins by author. In some cases, these books could be organized in special sections or bins according to series or special topics such as princesses, Pokemon, Star Wars, etc. On the second floor are the chapter books. The librarian has organized some of the books by popular author or series.
The school library is located in the center of the school. It is an open space that consists of two floors and several multifunctional areas. The library has a flexible schedule as it also welcomes community families who have preschool children to enjoy the various resources available in the library. It is the belief of the school regarding the library is that developing an interest in reading and nurturing an early connection with the local community literacy skills will become stronger for everyone.
The students are allowed to take out 3 books at a time. With the flexible schedule, the students are able to come in before and after school to exchange and take out new books. Overdue books are treated as the responsibility of the students, but sometimes special arrangements are made and students can borrow books to read. The library also has a fixed schedule for each class. This is in order to allow the librarian to fulfill her other teaching duties.
Circulation Desk/ Before and Afterschool and Lunch time Student Monitors Responsible for Checking In and Out books and shelving
Red Cedar Reading Club / Based on Canadian Literature
Non-Fiction Area
Reference Books and Holiday Collections
Computer Lab with 27 Computers and 1 Printer. Access to the Internet and A variety of Prodictivity tools
Levelled Readers and Series
Picture Books Seating Area
Comfortable seating Area Donated by Prospera Credit Union/Insurance
Second Floor Teacher Resource Area
Second Floor Chapter Books
Paperbacks on the Book Racks
Hardcovers and Author and Series Bins on the Shelves
Final Thoughts
Bishop (2007) says that "effective collection development must be based on reliable knowledge about the collection's users (students teachers, administrators, and parents)".
A community analysis is an important step when determining how to allocate the limited funds you have to purchase resources. During the community analysis, I found that there is a lot of information that you could include to help make your decision regarding resourcing the library media centre. The issues I had with the community analysis was trying to decide what was important to include in my analysis. I think the fact that I only began to be exposed to the library and the role of the teacher-librarian made it difficult to make decisions of what to include in the analysis. Also, there were data and details that I couldn't decide was important to collect or saw that others included in their analysis that I didn't think of collecting. I think that the resource "wish list" that the librarian had for the teachers, parents, and students was a good idea to help her get to know what each group felt was important and useful to have in the collection, whether it be books or electronic resources. In conclusion, I think a community analysis might be like weeding - we need to choose the criteria based on our Philosophy, Mission Statement, and needs of our Clientele.
Works Cited:
Bishop, K. (2007). The Collection Program in Schools: Concepts, Practices, and Information Sources 4th ed. Libraries Unlimited. Westport, CT.
The School
The school population is diverse with more than 24 language groups and approximately a third of students having a first language other than English and 10% that have a Ministry Designation that represent specific learning requirements.
The school is located in a densely populated urban setting near the False Creek seawall and Charelson Park. Most families reside in condominiums, apartments, townhouses, cooperatives, or on boats moored in the area.
The school is made up of mainly middle income with about 5% from upper and lower income families. The Fraser Institute Report Card for 2009/2010 Ranks the school at 843/875 with a Grade 4 enrollment of 36, ESL 22.8, and Special needs 7.2.
The school demographics according to the school office administrative assistant.
1. Total Students: 267
Gr. 7 12/15
Gr. 6 20/16
Gr. 5 14/16
Gr. 4 13/16
Gr. 3 20/17
Gr. 2 19/16
Gr. 1 16/15
Gr. K 20/22
Gr. K - 7
Gr. 1 - 9
Gr. 2 - 2
Gr. 3 - 8
Gr. 4 - 4
Gr. 5 - 4
Gr. 6 - 4
Gr. 7 - 0
Gr. K - 0
Gr. 1 - 0
Gr. 2 - 3
Gr. 3 - 1
Gr. 4 - 4
Gr. 5 - 0
Gr. 6 - 4
Gr. 7 - 6
There are 10 divisions consisting of 11 classroom teachers. The librarian is .53 and has additional duties of prep cover and music.
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 1/2
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 3/4
Grade 4/5
Grade 5/6
Grade 6
Grade 7
Other Schools in the Area:
Elementary SchoolsElsie Roy Elementary School
Henry Hudson Elementary
Tennyson Elemetary
Madrona School
L'Ecole Billingue Elementary
Blessed Sacrament School
High Schools
St. John's International SchoolThe Community
Located on the Burrard Peninsula, Vancouver lies between Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. The Strait of Georgia, to the west, is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Vancouver Island. The city has an area of 114 km2 (44 sq mi), including both flat and hilly ground, and is in the Pacific Time Zone (UTC−8) and the Pacific Maritime Ecozone. Vancouver has one of the largest urban parks in North America, Stanley Park, which covers 404.9 hectares (1001 acres).Vancouver is one of the warmest Canadian cities. The summer months are typically dry, often resulting in moderate drought conditions, usually in July and August. In contrast, most days during late fall and winter (November–March) are rainy. BC Stats estimated the population of the city of Vancouver to be 642,843 in 2010.
Vancouver has been called a "city of neighbourhoods", each with a distinct character and ethnic mix. Today the Chinese are the largest visible ethnic group in the city, with a diverse Chinese-speaking community, and several languages, including Cantonese and Mandarni Neighbourhoods with distinct ethnic commercial areas include the Chinatown, Punjabi Market, Little Italy, Greektown, and (formerly) Japantown. Since the 1980s, immigration has dramatically increased, making the city more ethnically and linguistically diverse; 52% do not speak English as their first language. Almost 30% of the city's inhabitants are of Chinese heritage which is one of the highest concentrations of ethnic Chinese residents in North America. In 1981, less than 7% of the population belonged to a visible minority group. By 2008, this proportion had grown to 51%. focused on the West End neighbourhood lining a certain stretch of Davie Street, recently officially designated as Davie Village,though the gay community is omnipresent throughout West End and Yaletown areas. Vancouver is host to one of the country's largest annual gay pride parades
This community analysis is based on the False Creek area located in Vancouver, BC. The data collected is from a variety of sources including Statistics Canada, VSB School Plan for False Creek School 2011-2012, the School Administrative Assistant, and the websites Blocktalk.ca and Wikipedia.
False Creek is the waterfront area that starts at the eastern end of English Bay just at the Burrard and Granville bridges and continues eastward almost cutting off downtown as it turns north and ends up within 1 kilometer of Burrard Inlet on the east side of the downtown core. It contains the Vancouver live entertainment, shopping and art mecca of Granville Island. It is surrounded on all sides by housing of all types with many berths for pleasure boats at marinas and public moorings.
Neighbourhood Demographics
The neighbourhood has a number of low-rise condo developments where many young families and couples reside. In addition, the area has townhouse, house, and several co-op and low rental housing projects in line with the City of Vancouver's mandate of 1 out of 5 housing be designated as low-income housing.
Partners and Community Resources
The school has the opportunity to work together with neighbouring schools through the Community Schools Team at Kitsilano and with the False Creek Community Center. In addition, there are many museums and centers that are good opportunities for educational purposes.
False Creek Community Center
Granville Island
The Maritime Museum
HR Macmillan Space Centre
Science World
Super Science Club – This award-winning program provides safe after-school care for students in Vancouver's inner-city schools.
Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) – SIS inspires K-12 students across BC to explore careers in science by inviting local science professionals to visit their classrooms.
On the Road – In this program, exciting, curriculum-based science shows are presented to students in classrooms in remote communities across BC.
BC Sports Hall of Fame
False Creek Racing Canoe Club
The False Creek Racing Canoe Club, a multi-disciplinary paddling club offers opportunities to train in and race Dragon Boat, Outrigger, Kayak, Surf Ski and Marathon Canoe, for all ages and levels.
//**CanoeKids**// is a multi-discipline introductory level canoe and kayak program for kids 10 - 14. The focus is not on racing but on acquiring balance and maneuvering skills through games and teamwork.
Introduction to Dragon Boat program is suitable for schools and is a 1 ½ hour, on-water session, during which participants are introduced to dragon boat paddling & racing in False Creek. The focus is on having fun, cooperative team building, and the sport of dragon boating. A coach and a certified steeersperson are provided for each boat used in a session.
Vancouver Public Library - Firehall Branch
Collection
With it's location right next to the Firehall, there are opportunities to have a tour before or after visiting the library.
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch
Children's Collection
The Children's Library houses one of the largest collections of materials specifically for children and families in British Columbia. With more than 80,000 books, plus a large and growing collection of audio-visual materials, including music CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs, it is a rich resource.The collection has major strengths in picture books, Canadian books and multicultural materials, including a large collection of folk and fairy tales.
Its large non-fiction collection supports children's personal interests as well as most of their school project needs.
French-language materials at all levels and formats are available here, while children's books in other languages are found in the Multilingual Division's collection.
Resource Collection: a strong collection of circulating and reference materials for adults about children's literature, authors and illustrators, reading, writing for children, storytelling, and folklore. The Children's Library subscribes to many reviewing and professional journals.
Awards Collection: reference copies of the winners of most Canadian and major American and British children's book awards are housed together, arranged in order by award and then year.
Parenting Collection: A selection of books, videos, and DVDs for parents and caregivers. More parenting books are located in the Social Sciences Division.
Historical Collection: early children's books are housed in the Special Collections Division.
Possible Business Resources
Chapters Bookstore
Indigo Love of Reading FoundationThe Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has a vision of a future in which provincial governments step up and fund schools appropriately, giving every child across Canada equal opportunity to live up to their potential and fulfill their dreams. Until then, Love of Reading is dedicated to putting books in the hands of children.
Literacy Fundfor school identified as high-needs, are passionate about literacy and believe the students and the greater community would benefit from a Love of Reading grant. This program is for schools that are challenged by socio-economic factors that put their children at higher risk. Love of Reading schools receive funding over a three-year period. For each of the three years, the school receives 10 per cent of the funds in the form of cash to spend on any special projects they believe will promote literacy: after-school activity groups; visits by special guest speakers and artists; anything that promotes a love of reading. They receive the remaining 90 per cent of the grant in the form of a credit redeemable for new books and learning materials at Indigo, Chapters and Coles book stores.
Adopt a School The Indigo Adopt a School program helps puts more books in the hands of children by partnering with the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.
Steve Nash Fitness World & Sports Club
The Steve Nash Foundation
Steve Nash formed the Steve Nash Foundation in 2001. Through grants to public service and non-profit entities, the Foundation aims to grow healthy kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play and empowerment. Each year, the Steve Nash Foundation awards grants to child-focused non-profits that provide direct health and education services to underserved children throughout British Columbia, Canada. Funded projects improve outcomes for children by identifying and actuating solutions to community needs; with a focus on capital building and improvements, BC Grants is community investment at work.
Curriculum and Program Profile
I am using British Columbia's curriculum and have selected Health and Career Education Grade 6 as my subject and grade level. The major prescribed learning outcomes for Health and Career Education for Grade 6 in British Columbia are:
In most schools in British Columbia that has a elementary and secondary school system, I believe Grade 6 is the preparation year: mentally, physically, and socially for these students. Mentally these students will have to become more independent as they will no longer have a main classroom/homeroom teacher. As a result, they will be responsible for making more decisions, managing their time, and setting goals. Physically the students are beginning to enter puberty and need to be informed about the changes occurring to their bodies and the opposite sex. Also, they need to have the information to help them make decisions about eating healthy food choices and the effects of substance use. Finally, emotionally students need to learn skills that will help the interact appropriately with their peers, adults, and different situations. There will be many pressures and it is important that the students be given the skills to evaluate the potential positive and harmful and consequences for themselves and others in order that they can make an informed decision and not one based on peer pressure or potential false information from different sources. Finally, research has shown that a healthy living that includes a balance of physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional health results in better concentration and academic performance.
There are 36 students in Grade 6. There are two classes; Grade 6 and Grade 5/6 classes. The collection is used by all students for general circulation. In addition, the librarian, on the request of the teachers, may pull books related to a unit of study and provide them as resources for the students. A search of the online catologue system using subject keywords related to Health and Career Education for Grade 6 resulted in a number of resources.
SUBJECT KEY WORD SEARCH
THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
The False Creek Library contains over twenty-one thousand volumes that include books, cd roms, cds, videos, dvds, and staff resources. It welcomes all students from Kindergarten to grade seven. It is open thirty minutes before and after school, however it is closed every second Wednesday. When the library is open, parents and students are welcome to exchange their books, discuss and share their books with our friendly librarian, or just enjoy a quiet chat with friends. In addition, students are welcome to use any of the library computers to play any of our many programs, including many library CD-ROMs.
The school library has reading initiatives such as the Chocolate Lily and Cedar Reading programs and is regularly open to students for reading and enjoyment of resources before and after school as well as during the school day. In each section there is a seating area where students can sit to read a book or do their work. The non-fiction section is catalogued by the Dewey Decimal system. Also in the non-fiction section are the novel sets just "because that is the only room we could find to put them" The picture books are organized with the hard cover books on the shelves and paperbacks in bins by author. In some cases, these books could be organized in special sections or bins according to series or special topics such as princesses, Pokemon, Star Wars, etc. On the second floor are the chapter books. The librarian has organized some of the books by popular author or series.
The school library is located in the center of the school. It is an open space that consists of two floors and several multifunctional areas. The library has a flexible schedule as it also welcomes community families who have preschool children to enjoy the various resources available in the library. It is the belief of the school regarding the library is that developing an interest in reading and nurturing an early connection with the local community literacy skills will become stronger for everyone.
The students are allowed to take out 3 books at a time. With the flexible schedule, the students are able to come in before and after school to exchange and take out new books. Overdue books are treated as the responsibility of the students, but sometimes special arrangements are made and students can borrow books to read. The library also has a fixed schedule for each class. This is in order to allow the librarian to fulfill her other teaching duties.
Final Thoughts
Bishop (2007) says that "effective collection development must be based on reliable knowledge about the collection's users (students teachers, administrators, and parents)".
A community analysis is an important step when determining how to allocate the limited funds you have to purchase resources. During the community analysis, I found that there is a lot of information that you could include to help make your decision regarding resourcing the library media centre. The issues I had with the community analysis was trying to decide what was important to include in my analysis. I think the fact that I only began to be exposed to the library and the role of the teacher-librarian made it difficult to make decisions of what to include in the analysis. Also, there were data and details that I couldn't decide was important to collect or saw that others included in their analysis that I didn't think of collecting. I think that the resource "wish list" that the librarian had for the teachers, parents, and students was a good idea to help her get to know what each group felt was important and useful to have in the collection, whether it be books or electronic resources. In conclusion, I think a community analysis might be like weeding - we need to choose the criteria based on our Philosophy, Mission Statement, and needs of our Clientele.
Works Cited:
Bishop, K. (2007). The Collection Program in Schools: Concepts, Practices, and Information Sources 4th ed. Libraries Unlimited. Westport, CT.
Vancouver School Board School Plan 2011-2012 False Creek Elementaryhttp://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/school-files/03939136.pdf
Greater Vancouver Neighbourhood & Community Information - Block Talkhttp://www.blocktalk.ca/vancouver/false-creek/
City of Vancouver - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver
False Creek - Wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_Creek
B C Stats - British Columbia Provincial Electoral District Profile for Vancouver-False Creek based on the 2006 Censushttp://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/peds/Vancouver-False%20Creek_BC.pdf